Great Events In Our City

While I am writing this in early March, I have no doubt that when you read this that The Coral Springs Festival of the Arts will have been a huge success. It is truly a signature event in our community and I hope you took advantage of it. My family and I enjoyed Our Town America and I saw a lot of children having a blast! I'm already looking forward to next year's events. Thank you again to all of the volunteers, businesses, dancers and artists that took part in these events.

In March we kicked off the City's first ever Government Academy, which spun off from my Government Leadership Program that I helped to develop with Mark Anoff and my intern, Chelsea Nolan, last year. I am so excited about this in-depth look that 40 citizens will have into the fine working details of our City and the great employees that get the job done! I want to particularly thank Mike Levinson, the City Commission and everyone involved in putting together this Academy.

The Coral Springs Police Department is once again offering free advanced self-defense classes for women ages 13 and older. The Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) System is a national program that teaches women empowering skills to avoid becoming a target and to fend off an attacker. Through repetition and practice, this course promotes muscle memory, and helps women to train in a realistic environment so they learn to survive a struggle.

This month, the class starts Tuesday, April 22, and it will be held in four consecutive classes. Each class is three hours, and the final class includes a physically active, hands-on scenario and graduation ceremony. Classes are held at the Northwest Regional Library, located at 3151 University Drive, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Participants must register in advance, and be able to attend each of the four sessions. For more information, call 954-346-1227.

In celebration of Earth and Arbor Day, the City is hosting EarthFest 2008 on Saturday, April 19 at Sandy Ridge Sanctuary from 9 am to 1 pm. EarthFest features wildlife exhibits, guided tours, plant giveaways and refreshments. Sandy Ridge Sanctuary is located east of University Drive between Sample and Wiles Roads at 8501 N.W. 40 Street. For more information, call 954-344-1117. Later in the day is Brieanna's Birthday Bash at the Sportsplex. I hope that you will come support our community's efforts to help this beautiful 13-year old girl have success in her quest to battle Cystic Fibrosis. If you are interested in learning more information, please email me at Scottbrook@scottjbrookpa.com. Thank you Gene Robinson and Julie Corona for all of your help. Thanks to all the Taravella students in leadership for your efforts in the Team Up to Clean Up on April 19, too!

Have you heard about the Customer-Involved Government Committee's Study Circles or Speakers Bureau? Our Committee is hosting a series of discussions on the issue of illegal fireworks and also leading discussions about the meaning of our receipt of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. If you are interested in learning more, please call me at 954-757-5551 and/or check our website, www.coralsprings.org.

I want to thank Commissioner Bruck for her participation and leadership with Unitown, as well as all of the participants and volunteers. While I have yet to attend this special event, I have seen so many smiling faces on the teens who have participated and learned so much about themselves and others, I am so proud that our City and the MultiCultural Committee support this program. As a truly diverse community, we have so much to be thankful for in Coral Springs. It is great to be your Mayor and quite an honor to serve you and the rest of our 130,000 plus residents for these last six years! Have a great day!

Mayor Scott J. Brook

Posted: Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008